In 2006, the Kabul-based nonprofit Turquoise Mountain was established at the request of Prince Charles of the UK and former Afghan president Hamid Karzai. The organization aims to create jobs in the country, assist individuals in developing marketable skills, and reinforce a stronger sense of Afghan national identity.
To achieve these goals, Turquoise Mountain trains men and women in various traditional Afghan arts and crafts, including jewelry-making, pottery, woodwork, calligraphy, and miniature painting. The organization markets these works through major Western retailers such as Bloomingdales, Kate Spade, and Monsoon. In addition, the craftwork has been featured in the New York Times.
Besides learning a craft, Turquoise Mountain students also receive English lessons and take classes in business and computer literacy, so they can establish their own businesses. Altogether, this training not only enables Afghan men and women to earn a living, but also empowers communities.
Over the course of its first eight years in operation, Turquoise Mountain has generated more than $3 million in sales. While this number may not sound high to businesspersons in the West, it is 7,000 times the average annual salary of a male Afghan worker, which stands at $426. While these sales provide income to the talented artisans at Turquoise Mountain, they have also contributed significantly to development in the nation. The organization has spearheaded the restoration of more than 100 historic buildings in Kabul’s old city with the addition of water, sanitation, and electricity infrastructure. The organization has also funded the creation of a medical center that treats more than 25,000 patients annually and a primary school that serves about 200 students.
Turquoise Mountain’s story and commitment to excellence serve as a great example of how to continue driving economic development in Afghanistan. The organization believes in community empowerment and enables individuals to become more economically independent and feel more in control of their futures. In addition, the Turquoise Mountain allows individuals to explore their heritage and share it with the world while generating a substantial income that can support them and their families.